"Gunmen on the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway were intercepted by the police, resulting in the successful rescue of seven kidnapped passengers."

 

Story by Iyiola Ayomide

According to Crimewatchnewspaper, the Police took charge of a four-day operation and successfully rescued the victims.

Seven passengers were abducted, one was killed, and another was injured when the gunmen targeted drivers on the highway, subsequently fleeing the scene.   

A victim of the kidnapping incident shared her harrowing experience, explaining that a group of nine armed individuals intercepted their Toyota Hiace bus with the registration SUL 388 ZY when they were on their way from Akure to Lagos.  

She mentioned that while driving on the highway with her family, their vehicle was halted by the gunmen in the midst of intermittent gunfire.    

"At approximately 5:45 pm, a group of around nine gunmen, with two of them disguised in military attire, intercepted our vehicle and forcibly abducted seven individuals, which included my parents, into the nearby forest."    

According to the victim, two women who were attempting to flee were shot by the gunmen, resulting in the death of one of them.    The State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, affirmed that one of the bandits was apprehended, and all seven individuals who had been abducted were safely rescued without any injuries.    According to Odutola, the victims were set free by the kidnappers due to a prolonged and intense operation carried out by the Police and other security forces over a span of four days.    

"As soon as we received the information about the abduction, the DC Operations, under the guidance of Abiodun Alamutu, the State Commissioner of Police, initiated a rescue mission."    

"The Police received support from the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, and a local vigilante group.   Together, the security team confronted the kidnappers in a gunfire exchange.   

After an extensive four-day search in the forest, the armed men were compelled to release all the hostages, and one individual was apprehended."    

"A 35-year old woman, who was in a separate vehicle, was targeted by the attackers and suffered gunshot wounds.   Immediate medical attention was provided, and she is currently making progress in her recovery at the hospital."    She mentioned that they have found the body of a woman who was killed by the kidnappers while attempting to flee, but her identity is still unknown.